BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. A panel discussion on
the topic “Unforeseen Risks in the Digital Environment: Joint
Efforts to Combat Malicious Information” was held in Baku as part
of the 3rd Forum on “Social Processes in the Media Sphere,”
organized by the Media Development Agency of the Republic of
Azerbaijan, Trend
reports.


During her remarks at the panel discussion, Ayla
Hasanova-Mammadova, Deputy Head of the Public Relations and
Communications Department at the Ministry of Science and Education
and Head of the Digital Communications, Institutions, and Partners
Sector, spoke about the challenges of digitalization and security
in education. According to her, the issue of digital security has
become an important component of the general education
curriculum:


“In this regard, various skill-based approaches have been
incorporated into the curriculum, and students have acquired the
necessary knowledge and skills in accordance with the content of
textbooks. This area has become an integral part of regular
compulsory education. Over the past decade, the provision of
computers and internet access in schools has expanded
significantly. By the end of 2026, the plan is to have one computer
for every six students. Currently, more than 90 percent of schools
have Internet access,” she said.


In his address, Elgun Safarov, head of the Department of
Analytical Assessment and Information Security at the State
Committee for Family, Women, and Children’s Affairs, highlighted
issues related to the protection of children’s rights and
safeguarding them from harmful influences on social media.
According to him, there are a total of 11 government agencies
working to protect children’s rights in the country:


“No single agency can prevent the existing risks; a
comprehensive and coordinated effort is needed in this area.


In this country, minors’ access to online services and their
safety in this environment are not yet fully ensured. Media
representatives must make a significant contribution to protecting
children from harmful content. It is inappropriate to emphasize the
gender factor in news headlines and in the coverage of criminal
incidents. Unfortunately, some media outlets disclose the first and
last names and other personal information of minors.







In particular, sensationalist or sensationalist presentation of
information regarding consanguineous marriages, early marriages,
and suicides is unacceptable. Today, the protection of the rights
of the family, women, and children is of strategic importance.
Unfortunately, there are no resources in the Azerbaijani language
for children on the internet,” he said.


Esmira Gasimova, head of the Education and Investigation Sector
of the Electronic Security Service at the Ministry of Digital
Development and Transport, spoke about the existing dangers on
social media. According to her, people can be subjected to
cyberbullying on various social media platforms:


“The most powerful form of resistance is raising awareness. It
is not technology that is under attack, but people. Interagency
cooperation is crucial, especially on the part of the media,” she
said.


The panel discussion concluded with a discussion.